Like Djokovic, Federer holds a losing record against Kyrgios – having lost their only meeting in Madrid in 2015.

But the 35-year-old produced a stunning performance of his own on Wednesday, crushing Rafael Nadal 6-2 6-3 to make it three straight wins over his great Spanish rival for the first time.

"It's a nice feeling to win the last three, I can tell you that," Federer said.

"But most importantly, I won Australia. That was big for me. On the comeback, I look back at that and think that was one of the coolest things I ever experienced in my career.

"Basel was special, too, for many reasons, because I used to be a ballboy there. After the Australian hype, to play here in America right away, all of them are very special.

"All the matches that we have played are unique in many ways for both of us, winning or losing. So I take it. Obviously I can't celebrate too long this time around. I have to get back to work in a couple of days."